If you’ve been running on empty recently and the thought of cooking dinner is about as appealing as a root canal, then you’re in the right place. Easy dinners are not just a want; they’re a need when you’re barely keeping it together. That’s why this collection of 19 no-sweat meals is perfect for those days when you’re running on fumes. They’re here to cut the chaos, dial down the drama, and get you fed without the headache.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are just what you need when you’re too tired to worry over dinner. Cook these juicy chicken bites on the stovetop and then toss them in a buttery garlic sauce made with melted butter, Italian seasoning, paprika and the rest of the spices. Adding lemon juice and parsley before serving gives them a fresh touch. In just 20 minutes, dinner is served. These bites are great to keep around, staying fresh in the fridge for days and simplifying your busy week.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Broccoli Casserole
When you’re just getting by and need something straightforward for dinner, this Broccoli Casserole is a great pick. It’s ready in 50 minutes, and you don’t have to be a kitchen pro to get it right. It’s about making a solid meal without the extra work, which is exactly what you need on those tough days.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
On those nights when you’re stretched thin, the Chicken Tater Tot Casserole comes to the rescue. It’s a great dish that’s ready in a snap, less than an hour, and you can even prep it ahead of time. It’s the perfect way to make a filling meal without adding stress to your plate. Plus, it’s easy on the wallet, which is always a bonus.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Try the Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach for a no-stress dinner night. It’s easy to throw together in 30 minutes and is packed with good stuff like beef, veggies, and spices. The beef mixture is combined with wilted spinach and mixed into a base of cauliflower rice and sour cream, adding richness and creaminess. It delivers a hearty and cheesy taste made nutritious with fresh spinach and cauliflower rice. This quick meal cuts down on prep and cooking time, giving you a break during a packed week.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is your go-to for an effortless dinner. Just mix up ground beef, rice, and spices, throw in some bell pepper and cheese, and bake. No need to stuff any peppers. Rice is added to make the dish more substantial, and it’s finished off with a layer of melted cheese. It’s easy, filling, and lets you chill out instead of cooking all night. Customize it with whatever grains or extras you have, and enjoy a laid-back dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Shawarma Kebabs
Shawarma Kebabs are perfect for when you’re low on energy but still want something good. Marinate chicken breast cubes in olive oil, lemon juice, and spices such as cumin, paprika, and cinnamon. Skewer and bake for that lighter and faster alternative to traditional cooking methods. They’re great for a relaxing night in, especially when served with tzatziki or some feta sprinkled on top and a side of cauliflower rice.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Chicken Tortellini Soup is here to make your evening easier. This one-pot dish combines the savory flavors of chicken and cheese tortellini with nutritious vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions. Seasoned with Italian herbs and a hint of red pepper flakes, it has a rich and comforting taste. It comes together quickly, perfect for when you need a comforting meal without a lot of work. It’s also great for storing, making your week a little easier.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
When you’re running on empty, Shake and Bake Pork Chops are a quick fix. They’re ready in 25 minutes — just coat each chop in mayo and drop in a mixture of seasoned breadcrumbs with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and Italian seasoning. Pop them in the oven and bake. They come out crispy outside and juicy inside. Serve with salad or rice to round out your meal. This recipe is all about less kitchen time and more chill time.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
When you’re out of energy but still need a great meal, this casserole is the way to go. Just toss steamed frozen broccoli and cauliflower florets with bacon and green onions in a cheesy sauce made with sour cream, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and seasonings like garlic powder and paprika. Crispy bacon pieces are added to the vegetable mixture for extra crunch. This casserole is simple to make and perfect for leftovers. You can have a delicious meal ready for tonight and tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Spinach Chicken Bake
Try the Spinach Chicken Bake when you need something quick and filling. With just 30 minutes of prep, you can have a creamy, cheesy chicken and spinach dish on the table. Start by marinating chicken thighs. Lay them in the baking dish, and spread a layer of softened cream cheese on each piece. Top with the wilted spinach. Finish with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese, and then bake. It’s a no-brainer for a nourishing dinner after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Fajita Baked Chicken
Fajita Baked Chicken is your go-to for a low-effort yet hearty dinner. It combines the rich flavors of chicken, cream cheese, and mozzarella with the fresh zest of mini sweet peppers. Seasoned with a mix of spices and baked with cream cheese and sweet peppers. It requires only 30 minutes from start to finish, including a quick broil to achieve a golden and bubbly cheese topping. This dish is perfect for relaxing and unwinding after a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Baked Ravioli
Baked Ravioli is just the ticket if you’re too beat to cook but still want something good to eat. Throw some frozen ravioli in a dish, layer it with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, and let the oven do the work. It serves the familiar flavors of lasagna but requires far less hands-on preparation using the shortcut of frozen ravioli instead of boiling noodles. It’s that easy, making it a perfect pick for a chill evening.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli
Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
This Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is quick and straightforward, ready in 30 minutes. It’s a single skillet meal with ground beef, cauliflower rice, mushrooms, and shredded cheddar cheese. The dish’s flavor profile is rich and hearty, made special with cream cheese, beef broth, heavy cream, and seasonings. Top with parsley before serving. This recipe is a practical choice for a full meal on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Cabbage and Sausage
For a meal that’s as easy as it is good, whip up some Cabbage and Sausage. It’s ready in less than 30 minutes and cooks in one pan. The cabbage is sautéed with onions and seasonings until tender, then combined with the seared sausages and finished with a splash of apple cider vinegar. The flavorful cabbage is made even tastier with the infusion of flavors from the sausage, butter and vinegar. This dish is great for when you’re too tired but still want something filling. Serve it over rice or potatoes to keep it hearty.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
In just 30 minutes, you can have this creamy Italian sausage soup on the table. It’s packed with the rich flavors of cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, and Italian sausage, with a touch of canned tomatoes for some acidity, all brought together with heavy whipping cream and Parmesan cheese. The soup has a creamy texture with a slight tang from the tomatoes. This recipe is a great pick for a quick dinner that’s both filling and easy to whip up on those exhausting days.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
This chicken dish is ready in 30 minutes and keeps things simple with a creamy mushroom sauce over Italian herb-seasoned chicken thighs. Cook chicken and mushroom separately and prep the sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken stock and Parmesan. This recipe is a great go-to for a delicious meal that pairs well with pasta or mashed potatoes and simplifies your evening with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Use up those leftover veggies to create this Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup, ready in about an hour. This dish highlights the smooth, earthy flavors of sweet potatoes combined with the slight sweetness of red bell peppers. It’s seasoned with cumin, paprika, and garlic powder to add depth and warmth. It’s smooth, slightly tangy, and perfect for unwinding after a long day. With everything cooked in one pot, you won’t have to worry about a big cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Quick to make and light on your stomach, this shrimp dish combines tomatoes and fresh spinach in a savory garlic sauce. The shrimp is perfectly cooked in garlic, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Add tomatoes and coconut milk, cook some more, and then serve. It’s a solid choice for when you want a good meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Serve it with pasta or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Canned Chicken Patties
These chicken patties are a breeze to make with canned chicken and just a few more ingredients like eggs and Parmesan. To prepare, the mixed ingredients are formed into patties and cooked on a stovetop in avocado oil until golden brown on both sides. Crispy on the outside while juicy inside, these patties are versatile — great on their own, with veggies, or on a sandwich. They’re perfect for those nights when you’re low on energy but still need a good meal. They also freeze well for future easy dinners.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties